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If you've been thinking about fostering, reach out to us to talk about taking the first step. We're waiting for someone exactly like you!
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Long-Term Foster Care
Give a child the stability of a loving home throughout their childhood.
Long-Term Fostering
Long-term fostering gives children and young people the opportunity to grow up in a safe, stable and supportive family home when they can't return to live with their birth family.
These placements often last for many years, allowing children to build trusting relationships and enjoy the consistency every child deserves.
Why do children need long-term foster care?
Some children are unable to return home, but adoption may not be the right option for them. Long-term fostering provides the security of a family environment while allowing children to maintain important relationships and receive ongoing support. It gives them the stability to settle, succeed at school and look ahead with confidence.
What does a long-term foster carer do?
As a long-term foster carer, you'll provide the same everyday care as any parent.
You'll help children settle into school, encourage their interests, celebrate achievements and support them through life's challenges. Over time, you'll build trusting relationships that help children feel safe, secure and part of a family.
You'll also work alongside social workers, teachers and healthcare professionals to make sure each child receives the support they need.
Why choose long-term fostering?
Long-term fostering gives children the opportunity to experience a consistent family life while maintaining important connections with their birth family where appropriate.
For foster carers, it offers the chance to build lasting relationships and see a child grow in confidence over many years. Many carers describe watching a child thrive and reach adulthood as one of the most rewarding parts of fostering.
Could long-term fostering be right for you?
Long-term fostering is well suited to people who can offer patience, commitment and a stable home over many years.
If you're looking to make a lasting difference to a child's life and build meaningful relationships that can continue into adulthood, long-term fostering could be the right choice for you.
Support every step of the way
At Olive Branch Fostering, you'll never be on your own.
From your first enquiry through to your first placement and beyond, you'll receive comprehensive training, a dedicated supervising social worker, 24-hour support and ongoing guidance to help you feel confident in your role.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. During assessment, you'll discuss what age range suits your family. Some carers prefer younger children, while others specialise in fostering teenagers.
Usually, yes. Unlike adoption, children in long-term foster care typically keep their birth name, though some choose to use their foster family's name informally.
While the goal is permanence, sometimes placements don't work out despite everyone's best efforts. Your social worker will support you through any difficulties, and additional training or respite may help resolve challenges.
Not automatically, as you don't have legal parental status. However, you can include foster children in your will just like any other beneficiary.
Allowances vary based on the child's needs and your experience. Contact us to discuss our fostering allowances and benefits.
Other types of fostering
Fostering Teenagers
Teenagers bring unique challenges but also incredible rewards. By fostering teens, you’ll provide guidance and support to help them navigate their formative years towards a brighter future.
Fostering UASC
Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) arrive in the UK alone, often after harrowing journeys. Foster families provide them with acceptance and stability as they adapt to a new life.
Fostering Siblings
Keeping brothers and sisters together can mean the world to kids in care. By fostering siblings, you’re giving them a chance to stick together, stay connected, and feel safe in a loving home.